Whiz Kid: Tennis Star Teaches Tots, Too

 Davina Nguyen

○      Whiz Kid's Age: 13

○      Whiz Kid's School:

○      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Nguyen is working her way to the top of the national tennis scene. She competes in the 14-year-old division (G14) and is currently ranked No. 1 the Southeast Michigan Section, No. 9 in the Midwest Section and No. 88 in the entire nation according to the United States Tennis Association rankings. She is the only player in this age group that hails from Macomb County.

When not traveling for tennis or her “other sport,” soccer, she volunteers her time to help budding tennis stars at Deer Lake.  Nguyen helps other coaches with their Tiny Tots (ages 4-6) classes just for the fun of it.

Nguyan also excels in the classroom, which is sometimes tough while on the road.  She is an eighth-grade student at Shelby Junior High School and takes advanced classes in math, English and science.

○      Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness: "Davina is an aggressive, tough and smart competitor,” Clarkston’s Deer Lake Athletic Club tennis pro and coach Joe Stafford said.  “She has great athletic abilities.  She is determined and has that ‘never quit’ attitude.  She is also very coachable and that is why she is so successful.  Off the court, Davina is an extremely caring, friendly and humble individual.  She knows where she comes from and works hard to get to the top."

To reach the high USTA ranking, Nguyen constantly travels to tournaments across the country, sometimes competing against opponents in the G16 division for the competition and to gain experience.

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